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Mathematics INstruction Using Decision Science and Engineering Tools; Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Directorate for Education and Human Resources; Industrial Engineering, Mathematics Education, and Operations Research Working Together
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Workshop Registration 2011

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Summer 2011 Workshop Schedule

Workshops will be offered Summer 2011 (click workshop for details)
 

Although many of the mathematical concepts in the course materials are likely to be familiar to educators, the approach using Operations Research tools and a Systems Engineering perspective is unique. Workshops are provided to help educators gain familiarity with the material and to promote discussion between researchers developing the course chapters and the educators delivering the courses. The MINDSET course is designed as a 4th year mathematics course for all students beyond Algebra 2. Parts of the curriculum are currently being using in over 25 select schools in Michigan and North Carolina.

Workshops are divided into a Deterministic Workshop and a Probabilistic Workshop. Both use real world problems to illustrate Operations Research concepts.  Following are some of the possible topics and one real world example for each topic.

Deterministic Topics

  • Multi-Attribute Utility Theory – Choosing a used car
  • Linear Programming – Maximizing the profits of a skate board manufacturer
  • Integer Programming – Political advertising
  • Location Problems – Locating an emergency center
  • Shortest Path – Medical supply routing
  • Critical Path Method – Planning a taco dinner

Probability Topics

  • Decision Trees – Collision insurance deductible
  • Basic Probability – Super Bowl winning conference
  • Binomial Distribution – Customer service
  • Normal Distribution – Parachute manufacturing
  • Poisson Distribution – Crime Scene Investigator’s (CSI) overtime
  • Quality Control – Manufacture of a Boeing 787
  • Queuing – Ticket sales
  • Markov Chains – Cholesterol levels
  • Bayes Theorem – False positive and false negatives in medical testing

Participating Teacher Benefits

  • Access to the MINDSET website (mindsetproject.org) for course material updates, homework, teacher notes, discussion boards and other support materials.
  • In person and online technical support.
  • Instruction from the creators of the MINDSET materials.
  • The chance to be a part of an exciting new way to teach mathematics.